Bean Bag Toss Device with Raised Exterior Lip and Elevated Central Section

ABSTRACT

A bean bag toss device is provided that includes a rounded platform forming a bowl-like configuration and an elevated central section having an open upper. The rounded platform retains a bean bag that is thrown at the device to prevent the bean bag from sliding therefrom and onto the ground. The elevated central section requires a user to toss a bean bag directly into its open upper to score a “bulls-eye”. In one embodiment, a bulls-eye is noted by music from a speaker attached to the platform, whereby the central section includes a motion sensor to register a bulls-eye, which initiates the sound. The device further includes a pair of folding legs that elevate the platform along one end thereof to slope the device towards a user during use. When not in use, multiple platforms can be stacked on top of another in a nesting configuration to conserve storage space.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/708,684 filed on Oct. 2, 2012, entitled “Four Amigos.” The aboveidentified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of toss games andentertainment devices. More particularly, the present invention pertainsto a new and improved bean bag toss device or receptacle.

Friends and families often gather at parties, picnics, or other eventsto spend time together and enjoy one another's company. Many gatheringsoccur at an outdoor location and individuals oftentimes enjoyparticipating in various lawn games that can be played by a wide rangeof participants. Lawn games often involve throwing or tossing an objectat a target to accumulate points. One of the most popular games involvesthrowing bean-filled bags at a target to score points based on the endlocation of the bag. This game is commonly referred to as “Baggo” or“Cornhole.” In this game, players take turns throwing bean bags at aplatform that includes a hole. The main objective of the game is to landthe bag inside the hole or onto the platform. The end location of thebag determines the amount of points scored and a player or team winsonce a predetermined score has been attained.

Conventional bean bag toss devices utilize a pair of raised platforms.Each platform includes a hole or holes along its uppermost surface.Prior to the game, the platforms are spaced apart with players standingnext to a platform facing towards the platform where they will throw thebags. Players take turns tossing their bean bags at the platform, withthe goal being to toss the bag into the hole or to have it land on theplatform. Conventional rules award higher points for landing the bag inthe hole, and fewer points for landing on the platform. The game iscontinued until one team reaches a predetermined score.

Tossing the bean bag onto the platform is a common problem due to theconstruction of the game platform surface. As can be appreciated, thespeed and trajectory of the bag when thrown often cause it to hit theplatform surface but the bag will slide off. This occurs primarilybecause there is no wall on the edge of the platform to stop the bag'smotion. For an experience player this problem is easily overcome,however, the lack of a wall or edge makes conventional bean bag gamesdifficult for novice players or children.

Another problem associated with conventional bean bag toss games is thelack of challenge for an experienced player. A proficient bag tossplayer learns how to use the speed and trajectory of the bag to throwthe bag into the hole, slide the bag into the hole, or slide the bagalong the platform and keep it on the surface. This is advantageous fora player because a bag that slides into the hole is awarded the samenumber of points as a bag that is thrown directly into the hole. Thiscreates a decreased amount of skill necessary as even a very experiencedplayer acknowledges it takes considerable more skill to throw a bagdirectly into the hole than it is to slide the bag into the hole.

A final problem with current bean bag toss platforms is that they arenot designed to be readily transported after use. The platforms aregenerally constructed of two foot by four foot platforms. The size makesit difficult to transport the game to a park or field. Further, aplatform of this size does not fit in the trunk of a compact or midsizedsedan and generally requires a truck or sport utility vehicle.

The present invention overcomes the problems inherent in conventionalbean bag toss platforms with a device that can be used by both noviceand advanced players. The device comprises a rounded platform and anelevated central section, a rounded channel therearound, and an apertureextending through the central section. The rounded platform furtherforms a raised perimeter along the outer edge of the device to retainbags that are tossed therein preventing them from exiting the device.The open central section presents a target that requires a user to tossa bean bag or ball into it. Additionally, the platform includes a pairof folding legs and can nest with similar platforms for simplified andcompact transport. In this way, the device provides a challenging gamefor both adults and children that can be easily transported to a desiredplaying location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to tossinggames. These include devices that have been patented and published inpatent application publications. These devices generally relate to bagand washer tossing games that utilize a platform. The following is alist of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, whichare herein described for the purposes of highlighting anddifferentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and furtherhighlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Published Application Publication No. 2005/0051968 toFroesel discloses a washer toss game, comprising a pair of housings thatinclude an exterior perimeter wall and a sleeve extending upwardly fromthe center portion of the internal area of the formed box. The sleeveextends upwardly from the base of the Froesel device. In addition, a canmay be located within the sleeve in an upright position to furnish onemethod for scoring a bulls-eye, and may be removed and invertedproviding an easier method to attain a bulls-eye. The Froesel device isadapted for use as a conventional washer toss game. However, it does notprovide sufficiently sized targets for a standard bean bag to land in.Additionally, the Froesel device is positioned flat on a surface forgame play. This contrasts with the present invention because it includesa pair of folding legs to create a sloped platform for use. Finally, theFroesel device includes a rigid structure that prevents nesting of twoor more platforms for transport and storage. The present inventionovercomes this storage issue by having a curved platform allowing fornesting of multiple units when not in use.

Another patent application, U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,674 to Riley, disclosesa washer tossing game with a storage container comprised of receivingboxes which are placed in a juxtaposed position. Each box includes abase for receiving a removable center section adapted to accept thrownprojectiles, such as a washer. The device also includes alternativecenter sections allowing the game to be scaled to different skilllevels. The game may optionally include additional features such asvisual highlights, protective sidewall curbing, and impact resistantlining to protect the boxes from the impact of the thrown projectiles. Acarrying case and a handle are also provided allowing the game to betransported. The Riley device provides a foldable, portable box fortransport, and this concept is similar to the present invention, whereinthe present invention provides a means for storage. The presentinvention improves and deviates from this storage means by reducing theamount of space needed and making the present invention more compactwhen not in use.

Another similar application is U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,318 to Peterson. Thisapplication describes a bag tossing game assembly that includes a framewith a first elongated member and a second elongated member. ThePeterson device further includes a plurality of bracing members attachedto and extended between the first and second elongated members. A mountis attached to one of the bracing members. A light emitting apparatus isattached to the mount. A panel is positioned on an upper side of theframe and covers the frame. The panel has a top side, a bottom side andan aperture therein extending into the top side and out of the bottomside. In use, the Peterson device can take on various embodiments ofgames. This includes games such as a washer throwing game, a bag tossinggame, and a ball tossing game. These games are commonly referred to as“Washers,” “Cornhole,” and “Golf Toss.” This device, while providing abag toss platform, does not include a curved platform or elevatedcentral section with an aperture in the top. Further, the Petersondevice comprises multiple embodiments of various lawn games but does notinclude the present invention in that selection.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,226 to Kephart discloses a washer tossgame, comprising a game board having a first board member and a secondboard member being connected to the first board member. Each of theboard members includes a top side and a plurality of holes disposed onthe top side, and numbers displayed upon the top side adjacent to thehole. The device also includes a plurality of washer members for tossingupon the game boards and into the holes from a determined distance. TheKephart device discloses a washer toss platform having a plurality ofholes for accepting washers, whereas the present invention provides asloping platform with a curved platform and an elevated central sectionwith an aperture in the top that is adapted for accepting bean bags.

The devices disclosed in the prior art provide platforms for tossinggames. Generally, the platforms currently known and disclosed in the artinclude an exterior perimeter wall and an elevated central section.These platforms are adapted for use in a washer tossing game. Theconstruction and design of the platforms require they be placed flat ona surface such as a lawn or concrete. The present invention, however,requires a sloped platform. The sloping bean bag toss platforms that areknown and disclosed include planar surfaces with an aperture foraccepting a bag. These devices do not include a curved platform with anelevated central section. Additionally, the prior art bean bag tossplatforms offer varying forms of storage means but does not allowmultiple units of a similar device to nest upon one another for storageand transport. In light of the prior art and the disclosed elements ofthe present invention, it is submitted that the present inventionsubstantially diverges in design elements from the prior art.Consequently, it is clear that the present invention is not described bythe art and that a need exists for bean bag toss platform having aperimeter wall and an elevated central section. In this regard, theinstant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofbean bag toss devices now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new bean bag toss device wherein the same can beutilized for providing convenience for the user when playing atraditional game of bean bag toss.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved bean bag toss device that has all of the advantages of theprior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a bean bag tossdevice having a platform and an elevated central section with an openupper for use as a target during a toss game.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean bag tossdevice, wherein the platform includes an integrally formed surface thatcurves upwardly to provide a bowl-like structure around a raised centralsection to support bean bags missing the open upper.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean bag tossdevice wherein the platform retains a tossing article, such as a beanbag, that is thrown at the platform and prevents the article fromsliding out of the present invention and onto the ground.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean bag tossdevice that includes a pair of folding legs that may be used to slopethe platform upward when in use.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bean bagtoss device that enables a user to stack two or more platforms on top ofone another in a nesting configuration to conserve storage space.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean bag tossdevice wherein the elevated section requires a user to toss a bean bagdirectly into its upper aperture to score a bulls-eye.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bean bag tossdevice that includes a motion sensor to detech a bulls-eye, along with aspeaker and associated electronics to initate the playing of a musicclip from the speaker once a ball has been tossed through the open upperof the raised central section.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a bean bag tossdevice that may be readily fabricated from materials that permitrelative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and themanner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after areview of the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are providedthroughout.

FIG. 1 is a view of the present invention with the folding legs in adeployed position.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of the present invention with a pair of platformsnested upon one another for transport or storage.

FIG. 4 is a view of the present invention in use, with the folding legsin a deployed position and a bean bag being tossed at the elevatedcentral section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the bean bag toss device platform. For the purposes ofpresenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, thepreferred embodiment will be discussed as used for playing aconventional game of bean bag toss. The figures are intended forrepresentative purposes only and should not be considered to be limitingin any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the present inventionwith the folding legs in a deployed position. The device comprises aplatform 11 having a concave, rounded surface and a raised lip 12. Alongthe interior of the rounded surface is an elevated central section 13with an open upper 14. The raised lip 12 extends around the exteriorperimeter of the device. While in use, the raised lip 12 retains atossing article, such as a bean bag, that is thrown at the platform 11and supports the article between the lip 12 and the raised centralsection 13. The raised lip 12 prevents thrown objects from sliding outof the device and onto the ground. The device further includes a pair offolding legs 15. In use, the folding legs 15 cause the platform 11 toslope upwards by having one portion of the present invention elevatedabove the surface. The sloped angle of the present invention is helpfulto users by enabling them to view the aperture 14 more easily prior tothrowing an object. A handle 16 is provided for transport, allowing auser to easily lift and move the device to a desired location for gameplay or storage. The handle 16 is located along the exterior surface ofthe raised lip 12, preferably positioned above the legs 15. When not inuse, multiple platforms 11 can be stacked one on top of another in anesting configuration. The nesting configuration allows for compactstorage and provides users with a simplified means to transport thedevice.

The elevated central section 13 is integrally formed with the platform11 and extends upwardly from the platform 11. The central section 13 issubstantially higher than the raised lip 12 thereby creating a visibletarget to throw an object. The terminal end of the central section 13 isopen and includes an aperture 14 to accommodate a bean bag or similarthrown object. The aperture 14 serves as the bulls-eye, or highestpossible score, for the game.

The pair of folding legs 15 enable the platform to slope at an angleduring game play. As can be appreciated, bean bag toss games are playedby standing approximately 27 to 30 feet from the platform that the userwill throw at, with the goal of tossing the bean bag into the bulls-eyesection or landing it on the platform. To facilitate this objective theplatform 11 slopes towards the player. The sloped device decreases thedifficulty with hitting the platform 11 and bulls-eye section byincreasing the visibility of the target. Further, the slope creates aninclined surface for the bean bag. The incline slows the velocity of thebean bag as it makes contact with the platform 11 and allows it to restat the base of the platform 11. The present invention achieves this byhaving the legs 15 hingedly attached to the exterior surface of theraised lip 12. The legs 15 move into a deployed position creating asloped surface during game play and move to a folded position forstorage and transport.

Within the interior of the raised central section 13 is an electronicmotion sensor, a speaker, and associated electronics for the operationof both. The motion sensor is situated along the interior wall of thecentral section 13 such that when a ball is tossed therein, the sensorregisters a bulls-eye as its field of view is impinged. A processingmeans (i.e. a processor or logic circuit), along with a power source, isutilized to receive inputs from the motion sensor (IR sensor orequivalent), whereby the circuit is further connected to a speaker andamplifier. The system is such that when a bulls-eye is scored, a shortmusic clip is played by the speaker. Ideally this clip is of the alignedwith the overall theme of the toss game, wherein one contemplated clipis the sound of a mariachi band playing for a brief moment tocommemorate the bulls-eye. A computer memory (memory means) and computerstorage (storage means) is provided to store the sound clip and tooperate the processing means. Overall the electonrics, including themotion sensor, speaker, and electrical system elements, are consideredan embodiment of the device that adds to the entertainment value of theassociated ball toss game. The most basic form of the device includesthe structure of the platform itself, without any associated electronicfeatures.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an overhead view of the presentinvention. The raised lip 12 surrounds the perimeter of the platform 11,providing the platform 11 with a bowl-like structure. The lip 12 isintegrally formed with the platform 11 and curves upwardly creating aconcave internal volume. The curvature of the raised lip 12 gives aneffect similar to a wall around the present invention. The lip 12retains tossing articles thrown at the platform 11 by preventing it fromsliding or rolling out of the platform 11. When a round tossing article,such as a ball, is thrown at the platform, the speed and trajectory ofthe throw often cause the article to hit the platform and roll along thesame path it was thrown in. The raised lip 12 acts as a barrier andslows the momentum of the article. This helps to keep any thrown objectto stay within the present invention thereby allowing a player to scorepoints during a game.

The elevated central section 13 is centrally located within the platformand provides a primary target or bulls-eye section for a player to aim.The central section 13 is hollow, which forms an aperture 14 foraccepting a bean bag or other tossing article. If a player tosses a beanbag and misses the aperture 14, the platform 11 provides a secondaryarea for the bean bag to land, while the raised lip 12 acts as a barrierto retain the bag on the platform 11. The diameter of the centralsection 13 is considerably smaller than that of the platform 11. Thismakes it challenging for a player to score a bulls-eye, or highestpossible score, but also decreases the difficulty required to keep thebean bag within the platform 11.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of the present inventionwith a pair of platforms 11 nested upon one another for transport orstorage. When not in use, the legs 15 can be folded and two or moreplatforms 11 can be stacked on top of one another to reduce storagespace requirements. Each platform 11 includes an opening on the basethat conforms to and accepts the elevated central section 13 of a secondplatform 11. The opening 18 and the curve of the raised lip 12 enablemultiple platforms 11 to be stacked in a nesting configuration. Stackingmultiple platforms 11 on top of one another reduces the amount of spacerequired for storage and transport. This helps a user to transport thepresent invention along with other items commonly brought on day tripsor to outdoor events.

In operation, a user folds the legs 15 and places a first platform ontop of a second platform. The opening 18 on the base of the firstplatform 11 is positioned over top of the elevated section 13 of thesecond platform 11. The user applies pressure to the platforms 11 whichcauses the opening 18 and the elevated section 13 to make contact withone another. Additionally, a handle 16 extends from the side of theplatform 11, which facilitates carrying. This enables a user to graspone of the handles 16 and transport the device if necessary. When a useris ready to play the game, he or she sets the platforms 11 by liftingthe first platform 11 from the second 11 and grasping the handle 16 ofeach platform 11. Applying a pulling force in the opposite direction ofeach platform will separate the two platforms, and a user can then setthe present invention at a desired location for game play.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view of the present inventionin use with the folding legs 15 in a deployed position and a bean bag 20being tossed at the elevated central section 13. The game is generallyplayed with a pair of platforms 11 set up approximately 27 to 30 feetapart on a flat surface, such as a lawn, parking lot, or beach. Theplatforms 11 are oriented with the folding legs 15 facing away from theopposing platform 11, causing the platforms 11 to slope upward butfacing toward one another. Ideally, the game can be played with two tofour players, with each player tossing bean bags 20. Each player takes aturn throwing a bag with their opponent, such that a first team throws abag 20 followed by the second team throws a bag 20. Once all bags 20have been tossed, the score is calculated. Conventional scoring rulesprovide one point for landing a bag 20 on the platform 11 and threepoints for landing the bag 20 within the aperture 14. Equal points arecanceled out, such that only scores in excess of your opponent's totalare counted towards a team's cumulative score. The team with the mostpoints in a single round throws first in the subsequent round. The gameis played until one team reaches the score of 21 points with a lead oftwo or more points.

The configuration of the present invention provides a platform that canbe used by players of varying skill level. As previously discussed,novice players struggle to land the bag in a conventional platform hole.Instead, most novice players attempt to land the bag on the platform toscore one point. The lack of a raised lip, wall, or edge often allowsthe bag to roll off the platform, resulting in no points awarded forthat toss. Over time, this may frustrate a player causing him or her tolose interest in the game. Conversely, a skilled player may be adept atscoring a bulls-eye by landing the bag on the platform and allowing itto slide into the hole. In such a toss, the bag hits the platform infront of the hole, and slides into the hole due to the momentum causedby the throw.

The raised lip of the present invention decreases the requisite skilllevel necessary to land the bag on the platform, while the elevatedcentral section increases the skill level required to score a bulls-eye.A novice player can aim for the bulls-eye section confidently knowingthat if the bag is tossed within the area of the raised lip then the bagwill remain within the platform, allowing the player to score a point.Additionally, skilled players face a greater challenge of scoring abulls-eye, as they cannot slide the bag into a hole after hitting theplatform. In order to score a bulls-eye the bag must be tossed directlyinto the aperture. The decreased skill level required for landing a ballon the platform, and the increased skill level required for scoring abulls-eye enables the present invention to be simultaneously utilized byplayers with a wide range of skill level. This provides a game that canbe played by many groups of individuals, while providing an appropriatechallenge for players of varying skill.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim: 1) A bean bag toss device, comprising: a platform having a topside, a base side, and raised lip that curves upwardly in a bowl-likeconfiguration; said platform having a raised central section mediallylocated and extending upwardly, said central section having open upperadapted to accommodate a tossing article therethrough; and a pair offolding legs hingedly attached to said platform, said legs being movableto a deployed position and adapted for angling said platform from asupport surface and moving to a folded position. 2) The device of claim1, wherein said central section extends higher than said raised lip. 3)The device of claim 1, wherein said wall retains a tossing articlethrown at said platform, wherein said lip is adapted to prevent saidarticle from sliding or rolling off said platform. 4) The device ofclaim 1, wherein said platform further comprises an opening on said baseside that conforms to and accepts a raised central section of a secondplatform, allowing said platforms to stack in a nesting configuration.5) The device of claim 1, wherein said platform further includes ahandle extending from said wall. 6) The device of claim 1, wherein saidraised central section interior further comprises: an interiorly mountedmotion sensor, a speaker, and a processing means adapted to receiveinput from said motion sensor and control said speaker operation; astorage means; a memory means; said motion sensor adapted forregistering when an article is tossed into said raised central sectionand play a sound clip from said storage means.